Galway Advertiser 2005/2005_04_21/GA_2104_E1_013.pdf 

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April 21 2005

Galway Advertiser

N E W S 13

Suspended sentence for `role model' who attacked postman
A 28-years-old man who inflicted serious facial injuries on an off-duty postman with a bottle in an unprovoked attack was described as a role model in his local community now following his successful battle with alcohol addiction, and was given a suspended two-year sentence at Galway Circuit Criminal Court this week. Martin McDonagh, of 182 Castle Park, Galway, denied the charge at his trial in July, 2002, but the jury found him guilty of assaulting the off-duty postman, causing him harm, at Ballybane in the early hours of May 6 2001. The 33-year-old victim received two fractures to his face, a fracture to his eye socket, which was pushed back into his skull, a large cut to his head and severe bruising to the entire facial area. Garda Cyril McDonagh gave evidence at the time of how the victim had been intimidated before the trial and told to give certain evidence to the court. If he did this, he would be paid a sum of money. He was terrified to come to court and did not wish to commit perjury, the detective had said. At the time Judge Carroll Moran described the assault as a very serious offence and pointed out that a substantial prison sentence hung over the accused. He agreed to adjourn sentencing to January 2003 so that McDonagh could attend an alcohol treatment course at Harristown House. The matter was adjourned on that date until this week to see if McDonagh continued to rehabilitate himself and remain alcohol free. At the time the judge said both McDonagh and society would benefit if he overcame his alcohol addiction. A very favourable probation report was handed into the court this week. Defence barrister John O'Donnell told Judge Moran that McDonagh had taken the chance he was given and had not come to the attention of the Gardai since this assault.Judge Moran recalled McDonagh had used an empty Buckfast bottle to inflict the injury. The judge said he had intended to impose a fiveyear sentence if McDonagh had not co-operated with the probation service and address his alcohol problem. Stating the report was one of the most favourable he had ever read and that it indicated Brogan had been sober for a long time and was now a role model in his community, Judge Moran said he would impose a two-year sentence, suspended for two years, on condition the accused not reoffend for two years.

Tolco Antiques Headford Road, Galway
Arriving and selling on 23rd April. Very interesting items of antique jewellery. Items will include selection of alberts, muff chains, fobs, victorian brooches, bracelets, very nice selection of 3 stone, 4 stone, 5 stone diamond rings. All can be seen at Tolco Antiques, Headford Rd, Galway. Also our new load is now on display in our store. Some very interesting and collectable items on view.

Open 10am-5pm Mon - Fri. 10am-4pm Sat. Open Lunchtime
Prop: Tom & Breda O'Loughlin. Est 1971

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